From the coffee table to television: Caldwell is born entertainer

Candace Bush

Published 6:00 pm, Tuesday, February 4, 2003

"We have a coffee table in our barn that Kim would tap dance and sing on," Pam Caldwell, her stepmother said. "She was just born to sing and be in front of an audience. This is something she wants, her parents never pushed her."

And her talent has taken her all the way to Hollywood as one of the 32 finalists for American Idol 2.

"We are all just ecstatic," her father, George Caldwell, said. "It was a long process to get here, but she has been at it awhile. I really hope she does well."

Caldwell has no formal training, but has been signing on stage for most of her life.

In 1994, Caldwell appeared on Ed McMahon's Star Search as a junior vocalist and is the record holder for most wins with five. She has also appeared as the featured vocalist in 1994, 1995 and 1998 seasons at Country Tonite Theater in Branson.

In January and February 1997, Caldwell was the featured vocalist at a special engagement of the Country Tonite Show at the Grand Casino Theater in Biloxi.

Caldwell was the featured performer at a special show celebrating President George and Barbara Bush's 50th wedding anniversary at the Grand Ol' Opry in Nashville.

"We didn't even know she could sing until she picked that for talent for the beauty contest," her father said.

"She started out singing County and Western. She just has a natural talent for singing."

As one of the 32 finalists, she is in Hollywood awaiting her next round of competition with her mother, Carla, and her sister, Kristy.

"I talked to her for a moment the other night and she said she was having a ball," her father said. "She doesn't have a lot of downtime, but I know she is having the time of her life."